Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to provide a pay increase to care workers that would help tackle (a) retention and (b) recruitment needs in the sector.

The vast majority of care workers are employed by private sector providers who ultimately set their pay, independent of central government.

The Government recently increased the rate of the National Living Wage, meaning many of the lowest paid care workers benefitted from a 6.6% pay rise effective from April 1^st 2022. We have also set a target for the National Living Wage to increase further, to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 for workers aged over 21, taking economic conditions into account.

We have announced an unprecedented investment of at least £500 million in the adult social care workforce, which will transform jobs in social care. We will deliver a vision where people can experience a rewarding career with opportunities to develop and progress, where they are recognised for the vital work they do and where they feel their wellbeing is prioritised.